Services for Khamkhane Anonthysene, 88, Lawrence, will be at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The cremation procession will follow the services.
Mr. Anonthysene died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was born August 4, 1937, in Khanthaburi District Province of Savanakhet, Laos. He was the son of Mr. Xienghack and Mrs. Sichanh Anonthysene. He graduated from the police academy with honors and was promoted to captain in 1975. The fall of Laos in 1975, he escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand, where he and the family waited for resettlement in the USA. The Church of the Brethren in Ottawa sponsored the family and settled in the USA in 1979, where he and the family became naturalized US citizens in 1986. He moved to Lawrence in 2005.
He married Bounnane in 1957. She survives of the home. They had six girls and one boy. They also had 12 grandkids and one great-grandchild.
Friends are welcome to join the Visitation on Friday, February 6th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Disty,
Thank you, for sharing those wonderful words and memories! Dad was a true humanitarian with quiet strength that kept us on the straight and narrow.
Dad loved you and your family through thick and thin. Under one roof, we learned from one another about patience, kindness, compassion and loyalty. Your family strengthened our family with each milestone and with the same love and compassion.
Please continue to visit and support your auntie. Stay in touch little sister!
Your forever loving family,
Watsana Thiravong
Thank you, Al and Terri, for sharing your fond memories with our family. Yes, your families have helped shaped who we are today. At every small, sometimes humorous “emergencies”, you were there to lend a helping hand! Your neighborly love, kindness and generosity gave us a lot of comfort during our earlier years as we learned to assimilate as American citizens in the mid 80’s.
Dad spoke highly of you, your kids and your extended families when they visited. You are the true Americans and neighbors we looked up to.
I had my first experience with a set of golf clubs in middle school. Al taught me how to use it properly. Little did you know, 30 years later that you were the person who inspired me to take up golfing. While attending KU, I took a wrong turn onto Alvamar and the rest was history. Both our girls are now state champion competitors earning scholarships for college! We have been a golfing family traveling and competing across different state lines making memories and earning accolades!
Anyone reading this, I hope you can take away and share a little kindness, gratitude, joy, hope and humanity towards one another. Our connections strengthens our communities far and wide. I now lead a nonprofit organization that shares the same values helping young people thrive in their community.
Thank you, Al and Terri for inspiring our family. We have come full circle.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Uncle’s passing. My heart goes out to you and the whole family during this difficult time.
Uncle’s kindness and courage changed the course of our lives. When our family was facing an uncertain future during the fall of Laos, he stepped forward and helped sponsor us to come to the United States. Because of him, we were given safety, opportunity, and a new beginning. That gift is something we will carry with gratitude for the rest of our lives.
He wasn’t just generous — he was brave, compassionate, and full of quiet strength. His legacy lives on in the lives he helped build, including ours. We will always remember his sacrifices, his guidance, and the love he showed our family.
May you find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and how deeply he is appreciated. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Disadaphon Kongkindavong
Teri and I were sad to learn of Khamkhane’s passing. Khamkhane, Bounnane and their family were our next door neighbors in Ottawa for many years. We all enjoyed learning about some of the Laos culture and the journey that you all endured to get to the United States. I was also a pleasure helping you manage the English language in the earlier years. Your gardens were amazing and the little yellow peppers…really hot! It was great having Khamkhane as the custodian at Eugene Field where our children attended. He was very kind and personable. I also remember that he loved to fish! You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Mr. Beasley for your kind words! Dad always spoke highly of all the teachers. He had profound respect for people like yourself. My little sister and I still reminisce about the good ‘ole days at Eugene Field!
Sorry to hear of his passing…Kham was our custodian at Eugene Field in Ottawa,Ks…very hard worker who kept the school in great shape.